If you have an aquarium or type of outdoor water feature then you will understand the struggle of algae control. Algae tend to grow in these types of environments because they have plenty of food and light. In order to stop algae growth you need to restrict these basic growth needs or use products, many eco-friendly ones are available, which will stop algae from growing.

There are a few steps you can take to avoid algae growth. It is important that you keep your aquarium out of direct sunlight. Your tank can be in sun for short periods of time but it should not be in sunlight for long periods. If you use lighting for your aquarium then you should not exceed 12 hours with the light on.

You can keep the nutrient levels in the water low by changing the water frequently. Silicates, nitrates and phosphates can be an issue and you may need to use deionised water, adsorption resins or reverse osmosis. There are also fish that will specifically eat algae such as the Siamese Algae Eater and sucker mouth catfish.

You need to be vigilant against four different types of algae; green algae, brown algae, blue-green algae and red algae otherwise known as brush algae. Brown algae are the first type to grow as this does not require any light.

Red algae is the most difficult to clean and favors water with a high pH. Blue-green algae are actually very slimy and green algae are the most preferred by fish because they like to eat it.

Ponds can be very tricky as it is difficult to reduce light levels when you are out of doors. Pumps and filters are recommended as are natural products that will get rid of algae without killing any of the other plants or fish in your pond. These products are all environmentally safe and are an easy way to keep your pond or aquarium algae free.

Roland Stockwell enjoys writing about natural products. To find some good products for aquarium or pond algae control or to take care of other algae problems with products like natural fountain cleaner, check out a natural water treatment supplier’s site today.